This article describes Xanax’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for Xanax. If you want to know more about Xanax, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.
Xanax is a brand-name medication. It comes as an oral tablet and an extended-release (ER)* oral tablet. The ER oral tablet is Xanax XR. Xanax is available in a generic version called alprazolam. Xanax XR is available in a generic version called alprazolam XR.
This article describes dosages of both Xanax and Xanax XR. Throughout this article, “Xanax” refers to both forms. Where applicable, “Xanax XR” refers specifically to only the ER oral tablet.
* “Extended release” means the drug releases into your body slowly over some time.
Boxed warnings
This drug has boxed warnings about several risks. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are risk of:
- serious harm if taken with opioids
- misuse and addiction
- dependence and withdrawal
For details about the risk of dependence and withdrawal, see the “Withdrawal from Xanax” section below. For details about the other risks, see the end of this article.
Forms and strengths of Xanax
Xanax comes in these forms and strengths:
| Form | How to take | Strength |
|---|---|---|
| oral tablet | swallow | • 0.25 milligrams (mg) • 0.5 mg • 1 mg • 2 mg |
| extended-release (ER) oral tablet | swallow | • 0.5 mg • 1 mg • 2 mg • 3 mg |
The oral tablet releases the drug into your body right away. The ER oral tablet releases the drug into your body slowly over some time.
Dosage of Xanax
This article describes the recommended dosages for Xanax. The drugmaker provides these dosages.
If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of Xanax without your doctor’s recommendation.
Usual recommended dosages of Xanax in adults
Doctors prescribe Xanax oral tablet to treat anxiety disorder and panic disorder (panic attacks) in adults. They also prescribe Xanax XR (the extended-release* oral tablet) to treat panic disorder.
Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of Xanax. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of Xanax that gives the desired outcome.
* “Extended release” means the drug releases into your body slowly over some time.
Dosage for panic attacks and other conditions
The recommended dosages of Xanax and Xanax XR appear in the following table in milligrams (mg):
| Condition | Drug | Starting dosage | Other dosage |
|---|---|---|---|
| anxiety disorder | Xanax | 0.25–0.5 mg 3 times per day | • maximum dosage: 4 mg per day, divided into 3 doses |
| panic attacks | Xanax | 0.5 mg 3 times per day | • average dosage: 5–6 mg per day, divided into 3 doses • maximum dosage: 10 mg per day |
| panic attacks | Xanax XR | 0.5–1 mg once per day | • target dosage: 3–6 mg once per day • maximum dosage: 10 mg per day |
Dosage adjustments for Xanax
Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of Xanax based on several factors. These include:
- the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
- your age
- other health conditions you may have
Missed dose of Xanax
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of Xanax. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.
For tips on how to plan your doses of Xanax and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:
- downloading a reminder app on your phone
- setting an alarm
- putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Xanax and its dosage.
What is the highest recommended dosage of Xanax?
The highest recommended dosage of Xanax depends on the condition it’s treating. For anxiety disorder, the highest recommended dosage is 4 mg per day. For panic disorder, doctors may prescribe a dosage as high as 10 mg per day.
If you have more questions about this, talk with your doctor.
Will my dosage of Xanax be based on my weight?
No, Xanax dosage is not based on weight. The recommended starting dosage is the same for all adults under age 65 years, regardless of their weight.
Older adults are ages 65 years and above. For them, doctors may prescribe a starting dosage that’s lower than what’s prescribed for younger adults. Still, this starting dosage is not based on weight.
Talk with your doctor if you have more questions about the right dosage of Xanax for you.
Is Xanax taken long term?
No, doctors don’t typically prescribe Xanax as a long-term treatment. Instead, it’s usually recommended for short-term use.
If you have questions about how long you should take Xanax, talk with your doctor.
Withdrawal from Xanax
Xanax has a boxed warning about the risk of dependence and withdrawal. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Drug dependence is a risk when taking Xanax. With dependence, your body needs the drug to function as usual. The risk is higher the longer you take Xanax. It’s also greater when taking a higher dosage.
If you suddenly stop Xanax or lower your dosage too quickly, you could have withdrawal symptoms. These side effects can occur when you stop taking a drug on which your body has become dependent. Examples of withdrawal symptoms include:
- loss of appetite
- blurry vision
- difficulty sleeping
- muscle cramps
- seizure
Due to these risks, it’s important to take Xanax exactly as prescribed. You should not stop Xanax without discussing it with your doctor first. To lower your risk of withdrawal, your doctor will gradually lower the dosage over time. This continues until it’s safe for you to stop the medication completely.
How Xanax is taken
You’ll swallow Xanax one or three times per day, as your doctor prescribes. You can take it with or without food.
Your doctor may advise that you take this medication around the same time each day. This helps keep a consistent amount of the drug in your body. And that can help the drug work more effectively.
Xanax oral tablet. The tablet has a score line that allows it to be cut in half if needed. The drugmaker hasn’t specified whether the tablet can be crushed or chewed. So, even if you cut the tablet in half, you should swallow it whole.
Xanax extended-release tablet (Xanax XR). You should swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush, chew, or cut the tablet.
If it’s hard for you to swallow tablets, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form. Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.
Xanax coupon
Visit this page to access Optum Perks coupons and get price estimates for Xanax when you use the coupons. These coupons can provide significant savings on your prescription costs.
Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.
Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on some prescription medications.
